Anchorage wildlife and glaciers tour: Bears and moose

Brown bears, moose and wolves in one morning, plus hanging glaciers across Portage Valley

This half-day tour from Anchorage combines wildlife viewing at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with glacier sightseeing in Portage Valley, led by a professional guide. The itinerary includes a one-hour visit to the sanctuary, stops at Beluga Point and three named glaciers, and a walk through rainforest. Pickup is downtown across from the Hilton. Winter weather may alter the Portage Valley portion, and the full route involves roughly 40 minutes of walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Chugach State Park10m
2. Alaska Wildlife Conservation CenterEntry included1h
3. Portage Glacier30m

Wildlife, glaciers, and rainforest walk

• Drive from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm
• Stop at Beluga Point for photos
• Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Explore habitats with bears, moose, and bison
• Continue to Portage Valley
• View Explorer, Middle, and Byron Glaciers
• Walk through the rainforest
• Snack or meal at Portage Day Lodge
• Return to Anchorage

The experience

The tour starts with pickup downtown and a drive along Turnagain Arm, the legendary coastal route that frames the day with mountain and ocean views. The first stop is Beluga Point, a photo vantage where Dall sheep and beluga whales sometimes appear, timing matters here. From there, the route leads to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you spend an hour in spacious habitats watching brown bears, wolves, moose, musk ox, caribou, and Woodland Bison in a natural sanctuary setting. The guide is with you throughout, and entry is included.

The second half moves into Portage Valley, where the landscape shifts to braided rivers, lush forest and towering peaks. You'll see Explorer Glacier, Middle Glacier, and Byron Glacier clinging to the mountainsides. The hanging glaciers are a photo favorite and the visual anchor of the route. A walk through the rainforest is part of this section. The tour wraps at Portage Day Lodge, where you can grab a snack or meal before the drive back to Anchorage. In winter, weather may force a change to this portion. Your guide will confirm what's possible on the day.

The full route runs about four and a half hours and requires moderate fitness. You'll walk roughly 40 minutes on your own. Dress for Alaska weather, which shifts fast. The guide speaks English and leads the whole experience, so navigation and timing are handled. You show up at the pickup point and the day unfolds from there.

What’s included

• Professional guide throughout the tour.
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center entry fee.
• pickup at downtown Anchorage location.
• stops at Beluga Point, the Conservation Center, and three named glaciers in Portage Valley.
• rainforest walk in Portage Valley.

Information

Lasts 4h 30m, runs every day except Wednesday and Thursday at 09:00 and 11:00, from US$ 149 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 and 11:00Tuesday: 09:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 141 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.5 with pickup ›

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises

Is this one for you?You've just landed in Anchorage or have a free half-day and want to see Alaska's most famous animals and glaciers without renting a car or buying separate tickets. The guide handles the route and timing, the entry fee is built in, and you're back downtown by early afternoon.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

The Conservation Center is home to brown bears, wolves, moose, musk ox, caribou, and Woodland Bison in spacious habitats. You spend an hour there during the tour, and the guide helps you spot and photograph them in a natural sanctuary setting.

Can I see beluga whales and Dall sheep at Beluga Point?

Beluga Point is a popular photo stop with panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, and both beluga whales and Dall sheep do appear there, though timing and season affect your chances. The guide will position you for the best views if they're present.

What glaciers will I see in Portage Valley?

Portage Valley features Explorer Glacier, Middle Glacier, and Byron Glacier, all visible from the route. These hanging glaciers cling to the mountainsides and are one of the tour's visual highlights.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

You'll walk roughly 40 minutes on your own during the rainforest section and around the valley. Moderate fitness is needed, and you should be able to walk independently for that stretch.

What happens to the Portage Valley part of the tour in winter?

In winter, unsafe weather conditions may force a change to the Portage Valley portion of the tour. Your guide will let you know on the day what alternative viewing experiences are possible.

Is transportation from my hotel included, or just the downtown pickup point?

Pickup is at 509 W 3rd Ave downtown, directly across from the Hilton Hotel. If you're staying elsewhere, public transportation options are available nearby to reach the pickup point.